The simple fact is that Torrone’s precise origin has been lost to time. One legend claims that Torrone (“big tower” in Italian) was invented for a medieval wedding in the Italian city of Cremona. However, this story does not preclude the more probable history of the confection, which some historians believe originated in ancient Greece or Rome and suggests a Sicilian introduction of Torrone into Europe, via the Arabs in the twelfth century. It is entirely possible that similar confections were invented during the same early period in China, Persia and the Mediterranean.

I usually make Torrone around Christmas or Easter. This is a fluffy white, delicious, orange and chocolate flavored Italian nougat candy. Rosa Giardinieri (Rosa’s Italian Restaurant) would always give a small box Torrone to each guest as they left her restaurant. She would always say it reminded her of communion in her church in Sicily. And, why not… eating Rosa’s homemade Torrone is a religious experience.

Don’t let reading this recipe intimidate you. It is amazingly easy to make—just a little time consuming. You can make this in many flavors, lemon, vanilla, orange to name but a few. Little squares of fluffy Torrone nougat candy is quite a treat and an old fashioned Italian tradition.

When thermometer registers 315 degrees, remove nougat mixture from heat. Temperature will rise to about 320 degrees. Continue to stir until temperature drops to 300 degrees about 1 to 2 minutes.

Using a mixer with a paddle attachment running, slowly and carefully pour the hot nougat mixture into the egg-white mixture add orange oil (at this point, whites will double in volume; let stand a few seconds; volume will return to normal). Beat until mixture thickens. The nougat will begin to stick to beaters when nearly done.